Effects of cochlear implants on depression, anxiety, and insomnia in adults with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss

Article in CI Journal

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Effects of cochlear implants on depression, anxiety, and insomnia in adults with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss: a three-year retrospective cohort study of 8964 cochlear implant users
Kuan-Wu Kuo; Ting-Hui Liu; Chia-Yu Liu; Chun-Jung Lui

Abstract

Importance:
Cochlear implants provide a treatment option for adults with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). However, their long-term impact on mental health were understudied.

Objective:
This study explored the long-term effect of cochlear implants on the incidence of psychiatric disorders in adults with bilateral severe to profound SNHL, and examined the subgroup differences in these outcomes.

Design, Setting, and Participants:
Data for this cohort study were analyzed on January 12, 2024, from the TriNetX electronic records database. Adults with bilateral severe to profound SNHL who received a cochlear implant were compared with matched peers who did not.

Main Outcomes and Measures:
The primary outcome was the combined incidence of anxiety, depression, and insomnia, within one to three-years after baseline. Each psychiatric disorder was examined separately as a secondary outcome.

Results:
This study included 8,964 adults in each group. The cochlear implant group demonstrated a significant lower risk of psychiatric disorders compared to the non-implanted group. Reductions were also observed for depression, insomnia, and anxiety, with effects consistent across the follow-up period and subgroups.

Conclusions:
Cochlear implantation was associated with a lower long-term incidence of psychiatric disorders among adults with bilateral severe to profound SNHL.

 

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